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Phoenix Wings Unveils ARK 80 Medium Logistics Drone
Phoenix Wings — the German drone unit of Chinese courier company SF Express — officially launched its new ARK 80 medium logistics drone at the 9th World Drone Conference on May 23.
Designed for medium- to long-distance low-altitude transport, the ARK 80 features a lift-wing multi-rotor design and has a maximum cruise speed of 90 km/h (56 mph).
It includes a 144-liter (5.1 cubic feet) modular cargo cabin and supports interchangeable payload-range configurations of 20 kg (44 lbs) for up to 60 km (37 miles) or 30 kg (66 lbs) for up to 30 km (19 miles).
The drone incorporates multiple safety features, including redundant sensors, single-motor failure protection, and a full-aircraft parachute system, the company stated.
Its foldable design allows transport by light vehicles, while its modular system supports various payloads such as gimbals, cable drops, and airdrop systems.
Video: Phoenix Wings
After more than 3,000 flight hours and over 50 tests, it meets IP54 protection standards, can operate in Level 7 winds (up to 61 mph), and functions at altitudes up to 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) and temperatures from -20°C to +45°C (-4°F to 113°F), Phoenix Wings said.
An automated ground control platform enables one operator to remotely manage up to ten drones simultaneously, reducing operational complexity.
According to Phoenix Wings Vice President Du Hao, the ARK 80 reduces weight-per-kilometer costs by up to 50% and volume-per-kilometer costs by up to 60% compared to conventional fixed-wing logistics drones.
Airworthiness certification is underway, with a Type Certificate expected in the second half of 2025.
Phoenix Wings is offering a 20% discount on orders placed before June 30.
In March, Phoenix Wings launched PW.Orca drone logistics operations in Japan through partnerships with Japanese operator Flight PILOT and Malaysian firm Aerodyne.
In Europe, the PW.Orca drone is being used for the Belgium dock chemical logistics project at the Port of Antwerp, which began operations in 2024.
The project — the first of its kind in Europe — enables beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries of chemical samples and has received EU Category 2 operational permits from the UK, Germany, and Belgium.